Jeff P, Director of the County Commissioners, revealed that Flemington Borough had been awarded $40,000 by the Freehold Commissioners for infrastructure upgrades at the new police building. This funding is part of a more extensive $2 million infrastructure grant available to the county’s municipalities. Jeff P emphasized the collaborative effort in the application process, where an independent organization evaluated requests to ensure fairness. He presented the check to Mayor Marcia A. Karrow and expressed anticipation for the police station’s completion and other ongoing projects in Flemington.

Following this announcement, the council delved into the community energy aggregation program, a topic that had previously caused confusion among residents. Lisa Hi, Vice President of Operations and Government Relations for a commercial utility consulting firm, led the discussion. The program, authorized in 2019, had not been pursued due to the pandemic until a competitive rate was secured this year.

Residents had raised concerns about the lack of communication and understanding of the program’s implications, leading some to opt out. Lisa Hi clarified that residents could opt in or out without penalties and that the program aimed to secure better energy pricing through cooperative bidding among local municipalities. She explained that the program achieved a 5% savings rate at the time of the auction and that residents would continue to receive a single bill from JCP&L, the local distribution company, which would handle delivery and outage services.

Further addressing community concerns, Lisa emphasized that opting out would not affect delivery services and assured residents that customer service would remain uninterrupted. She provided enrollment numbers and encouraged residents to seek more information to better understand the program’s benefits. The council acknowledged the need for greater transparency and communication to avoid future misunderstandings.

The council also discussed a web portal designed for residents to manage their energy savings and track monthly performance. The representative noted that the portal provides transparency by allowing residents to view savings data without maintaining records themselves. Education and past negative experiences with third-party supply contracts were identified as reasons some residents opted out. Consumer protections against automatic renewal and price changes without prior notification were highlighted, with the representative stating that the program allows renegotiation of terms if there is a significant drop in the basic generation service rate.

The conversation then shifted to communication strategies, noting a misleading letter sent by JCP&L to residents. The representative expressed readiness to hold another outreach meeting or Zoom session to clarify the program details. Enrollment and opt-out statistics were provided, with 135 opt-outs due to undeliverable mail and additional one-time and permanent opt-outs. The representative emphasized that residents would continue to receive bills from JCP&L, with auto-pay arrangements remaining intact.

Council members discussed the potential negative effects of third-party suppliers, referencing significant past price spikes during a severe cold snap in 2014. The representative assured that the cooperative program was designed to avoid such predatory practices, with regulated terms to prevent auto-renewals at inflated rates and ensure any changes are communicated to residents. The implications for residents with solar panels were clarified, noting their exclusion from the program due to ineligibility.

The council also addressed concerns about solicitation ordinances, with a representative confirming enforcement of existing ordinances and advising residents to request verification from solicitors. The need for clearer governance within the cooperative’s operational framework was discussed, with a council member proposing changes to require council approval for future contracts to enhance transparency.

A considerable portion of the meeting focused on zoning updates prompted by the changing nature of businesses and remote work. The council discussed an ordinance regarding a bond amendment for the Main Street sewer replacement project, appropriating $1.4 million and authorizing the issuance of bonds and notes. The project aims to address galvanized pipes and ensure the completion of the project by June 2025.

The council addressed personnel matters at the Flemington Public Library, approving resolutions for part-time library assistants’ appointments. The conversation shifted to an amendment to an ordinance regarding sign permits and penalties for violations, with the council debating the appropriate fine structure to ensure compliance.

Community policing initiatives were also highlighted, with positive feedback received from a recent event in the Hunter Hills area. The police chief emphasized the importance of targeted neighborhood outreach, encouraging residents to contact the police directly with concerns. Upcoming community events aimed at fostering relationships between law enforcement and residents were discussed, including interactions with local organizations and planned events during the holiday season.